A kind-hearted specialist nurse at Biggart Hospital in Prestwick is once again spreading some festive cheer by fundraising for patients and staff- by making wooden Christmas trees.
Nick Bryden, who is a Parkinson’s nurse specialist, makes wooden Christmas trees which people can make a donation towards if they want to own one.
And Nick hopes his annual hobby can coin in some cash and benefit the many people connected to the hospital.
The eye-catching and decorative trees come in three different sizes - 18 inches, 2-foot and 3-foot - with Nick stressing there is “no set price” to own one.
Over the last two years, Nick has handmade more than 200 trees to raise funds that he spends to buy treats for patients and staff at the Biggart Hospital.
This year alone, more than £2000 has been spent on a variety of different things from sweets to CD players and toiletries, which are distributed to people either working or staying in the hospital.
Now he hopes that even more can be raised so that he can make people’s lives better this festive season.
He said: “Last year I managed to raise an amazing amount of money.
“People are very generous to donate anything they can, given the difficult times we are all living under with the cost of living. All money given goes towards the treats.”
In fact, a recent supply of sweets were delivered to every department in the hospital and Nick received some “lovely feedback” from members of staff.
Other items such as a batch of shaving mirrors and boxes of chocolates, have also been greatly appreciated around the wards.
Nick explained his motivation for such an amazing gesture and said: “Staff within the hospital continue to work in a stressful and often difficult environment but, they bring a smile to people’s lives despite the pressures.”
One person who has helped Nick gain popularity is fellow fundraiser Sharon McLarty.
Sharon raised money at a fete, selling Nick’s trees along with other donated items.
She is also raising money to create a sensory garden at East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock.
Nick donated £200 from last year’s funds and Sharon has raised even more money from events she has organised.
Nick, who turned 50 recently, said the trees come with bases or spikes to put in the ground and he doesn’t take expenses, all money goes towards treats.
Nick said: “Anything I do is an extra to all the wonderful work staff and volunteers already do.
"People have been very generous offering their time to help and tools they are no longer using. It’s all about a smile on a person’s face.”
To find out more, or to express an interest in owning one of the Christmas trees contact Nick at nicksxmastrees@outlook.com
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